You’re in love and ready to conquer the world – or are you? Nothing tests a relationship quite like traveling together, but with a little preparation and the right mindset, a couples vacation can bring you closer together. Here are five tips to survive traveling with your significant other.
Plan ahead of time
If you start planning your vacation together ahead of time, you’re more likely to design a getaway that’s enjoyable for both of you. Find out what your partner enjoys when traveling, whether it’s food, museums or adventure, and find ways that you can incorporate both of your travel styles into your itinerary. The earlier you start, the better; after all, you don’t want to book tickets to Tokyo and discover your partner doesn’t dig big cities.
Plan for time together…and time apart
Vacations can be a great way for a couple to spend time together without the daily stresses of work or other commitments. Your travel time can be just about the two of you, but keep in mind there can be too much of a good thing. To avoid getting burned out on each other, schedule a little solo time into your trip. This is also a handy way for you to each indulge your own interests without compromise. If your partner wants to wake up early for a surfing lesson but you want to enjoy breakfast in a nearby cafe, don’t be afraid to spend a little time apart.
Compromise
While this is just good relationship advice in general, compromise is key to surviving a trip with your significant other. Discuss what both of you envision for this trip, whether it’s romantic luxury in an all-inclusive Jamaican resort or roughing it with knapsacks and a tent as you trek through the Costa Rican wilderness. After you both have an idea of what the other wants, you can create a trip that indulges both of your travel styles and desires.
Plan for a date night
Why not rekindle the romance while away on vacation? Sure, you might be spending your days wandering The Louvre or posing in front of the Great Wall, but don’t let the excitement of the trip completely overshadow your relationship. Plan a romantic date night into your travels to give your relationship a little TLC.
Go with the flow
Any traveler will tell you to expect things to go wrong. When plans fall through or the unexpected occurs, your ability to handle the situation says a lot about you to your partner. Learn to roll with the travel punches, find humor in bad situations and lean on your partner in tough situations.
What’s your best advice for traveling with your significant other?
(Main image: donjd2)
